POLICE are hunting armed robbers who punched two female cashiers in the face at a Chester off licence.

The pair of robbers stormed into Bargain Booze in Mill Lane, Upton about 10.20pm last Thursday and forced four female shop assistants into the rear of the store.

Police say the raiders, one of whom was wearing a balaclava, the other armed with a wrench, punched the two women in the face before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

The cashiers were not seriously hurt but were distressed by the ordeal. The supervisor of the store said they were shaken but had returned to work.

Police believe the robbers fled on foot in the direction of Bache railway station.

Ian Cuthbertson of Cheshire police said: 'It was a particularly nasty incident in which members of staff were assaulted. They were extremely shocked and distressed by the ordeal during which the offenders made off with a quantity of cash and cigarettes.'

Detectives, who have been studying CCTV footage, have released descriptions of the offenders.

The first man, who was masked in the balaclava, was wearing a blue and white tracksuit top and is believed to be 5ft 6in-5ft 8in tall and of a heavy build.

The second man is believed to be in his early 20s, with olive skin, and of a skinny build. He was also about 5ft 6-5ft 8in tall. Both spoke with Merseyside accents.

The Bache Bargain Booze store has been robbed in the past. In recent weeks there have also been raids at Forbuoys in Brook Lane, Newton, and Threshers in Upton. It is not known whether these crimes are linked. Anyone with any information should contact Detective Constable Shaun Pyke of Chester CID on 01244 613133 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.